Vehicular Manslaughter

Los Angeles Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney

Need a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles?

Vehicular manslaughter is a form of involuntary
manslaughter that involves a motorist killing another in an accident due to negligence
or recklessness. If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter, a
criminal defense lawyer at Martinian & Associates is available to provide you with
legal assistance in your case. We have successfully defended a large number
of individuals in all manner of criminal cases, and we have the experience
necessary to provide you with a strong defense in yours.

Explaining Charges of Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is defined under California Penal Code §192(c)
as the causing of death while driving a vehicle either unlawfully or with
gross negligence. It is important to recognize that there is no malice
in cases of vehicular manslaughter and therefore, you could be charged
even if you were just texting while driving when you caused the crash.
Other causes of accidents that could result in criminal charges include
talking to a passenger, speeding or staging an accident for monetary gain.

To be charged, it must be proven that the driver did one of the following:

Drove unlawfully (ex: speeding);

Drove lawfully, but dangerously (ex: talking to a passenger); or

Caused the accident for financial gain (ex: insurance fraud)

If it can be proven that the driver committed one of the above, regardless
of their intentions, the driver can be charged with manslaughter. This
is a "wobbler" in the state of California and could be charged
either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of
the crime. Misdemeanor charges are typically punished with a year in county
jail, while a felony is punished with two to ten years in state prison.

It is important to get the involvement of an attorney as soon as you can
following a criminal charge. There are defenses that can be levied on
your behalf and by
working with a lawyer, you will be able to have the strongest case possible built for you. For
example, we could argue that you were acting lawfully and that the accident
was not caused by you. Regardless of the defense strategy that we utilize,
you can be confident knowing that we will do everything that we can to
protect your freedom against the possibility of conviction or to seek
lowered charges and reduced penalties.

Martinian & Associates could defend you!

Contact our offices about your vehicular manslaughter charges and we will prepare a legal
strategy that is designed to see you fully acquitted of the charges against
you. While vehicular manslaughter is a crime of negligence that does not
typically involve the intent to cause injury or death to another, it can
still be penalized by up to 10 years in prison in certain circumstances,
as well as other serious penalties. The specific
manslaughter charge levied is based upon whether the motorist displayed gross negligence
or simple negligence in operating their motor vehicle.

Vehicular manslaughter is a very serious charge that can result in disastrous
consequences should you be convicted. It is imperative that you seek the
help of an attorney who can skillfully defend you against your manslaughter
charges in a court of law. It is possible that the fatal accident was
not actually your fault, and was caused by another party, or by an uncontrollable
factor (such as inclement weather), and an attorney can present this in
court with the possible result of a full exoneration.